Review: HSV VU Maloo (2001-02)

HSV VU.I Maloo (2001)

Overview

Released in March 2001, the HSV VU Series I (VU.I) Maloo was a rear-wheel drive, performance utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the VX ClubSport was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed T56 manual or four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission. The VU Maloo range consisted of the standard Maloo and the better-equipped Maloo R8.

LS1 V8 engine

The all-aluminium 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had a 99 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. Although calibrated to run on 95 RON premium unleaded petrol (PULP), the LS1 engine could also run on 91 RON unleaded petrol with a small loss in power.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the VS Maloo , the VU Maloo was 199 mm longer (at 5095 mm), 51 mm wider (1845 mm), 48 mm lower (1462 mm) and had a 117 mm longer wheelbase (2939 mm).

The VU Maloo had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms. Of the Maloo and Maloo R8, however, the latter had a firmer suspension tune.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VU Maloo included dual front airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Brakes

The VU Maloo had 296 mm by 28 mm ventilated front discs with twin piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear discs with single piston calipers. The Maloo R8, however, had 330 mm by 32 mm front and 315 mm by 18 mm rear grooved and ventilated discs.

Features

Standard features for the Maloo included 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 ZR18 Bridgestone S-02 tyres, a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, contoured sports seats with a four-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, soft tonneau cover and an immobiliser.

The Maloo R8 was further equipped with ‘Performance’ seats, a leather-wrapped gear shift knob, chrome interior highlights, a cargo liner, hard tonneau cover and rear spoiler.

HSV VU.II Maloo (2001-02)

Overview

Released in September 2001, the VU Series II (VU.II) Maloo could be identified by its black headlight bezels, new indicator stalks, instrument graphics and chrome interior door handles. Furthermore, Bridgestone S03 high performance tyres were fitted as standard and DataDot security identifiers were applied to components throughout the vehicle. Unlike the VX.II Holden and HSV sedan range, however, the VU.II Maloo’s independent rear suspension was not fitted with toe control links.

Features

Compared to their VU.I predecessors, standard features for the VU.II Maloo were extended to include a hard tonneau cover and rear spoiler.

2002 Maloo 15th Anniversary

In June 2002, limited-run 15th Anniversary editions of the Maloo were released; distinguishing features for the vehicles included Delft Blue paint finish, stainless steel scuff plates and floor mats. Production of the Maloo 15th Anniversary edition was limited to 25 vehicles.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VU Maloo
• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VU Maloo R8
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VX Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VX/VU